Antigone Background Info.. Sophocles Born 497 B.C. Most well-known of all the ancient Greek dramatists Member of the ruling class, but aware of social.

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Presentation on theme: "Antigone Background Info.. Sophocles Born 497 B.C. Most well-known of all the ancient Greek dramatists Member of the ruling class, but aware of social."— Presentation transcript:

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Sophocles Born 497 B.C. Most well-known of all the ancient Greek dramatists Member of the ruling class, but aware of social inequalities

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Social and Political Athens – 5 th cent. B.C. Time of great achievements in all art forms Strong sense of patriotism Government was an exclusive democracy About 10% of population participated (women, slaves, “non-citizens” excluded) Sophocles tried to warn Greeks of the destruction that would come due to prejudices

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Religious Ideas Greeks worshipped many gods Believed in Fate as a divine force, stronger than the gods Used omens, dreams, oracles, and soothsayers to try to learn the will of the gods

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Origins of Greek Drama Religious festivals held to honor gods (esp. Dionysus)– drama important part Tragedy – focuses on the tragic hero First theatre built on the slopes of the Acropolis

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Stage Conventions Use of dramatic irony Daytime performances, few sets/props All actors were male Written in poetic verse rather than prose Observed 3 Unities Messengers used to tell what happened offstage (no violence on stage)

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The Greek Chorus 15-20 men represented citizens Always on stage Had a leader who carried on dialogue with main characters Function of the chorus: Set the tone, give essential background info, recall past events, summarize events, give opinions, reach conclusion at end.